TL;DRThe authors will never again attempt long-distance electric bike touring in Greece, after a month and a half riding from Czechia through Slovenia (Lake Bled), the Dolomites and the Balkans in July heat above 35°C left them wrecked. The heavy e-bikes (25kg empty, 50–60kg loaded), late-night online work and having to skip detours like Meteora and Mostar all took their toll. A single charge got them 70–190km depending on terrain, yet they still couldn’t properly sightsee or fit in any hiking. The trip wasn’t cheap either — paid campsites and ducking into restaurants and cafés to escape the heat added up — and meals were mostly beans and spaghetti cooked in one pot. Their advice: stick to shorter trips, a week at most, and travel light.
After our wedding in July, we set off on a long-distance cycling trip on ebikes to Greece to find out what such a journey really entails. We couldn’t find a single other person — in our home country or anywhere in Europe — mad enough to head south on these heavy beasts (an e-bike weighs roughly 25 kg without any luggage). It was one of the most fascinating months of our lives, a genuine adventure — but one we’ll never repeat. Why?
1) E-bikes are massive heavy monsters that try to kill you
Lukáš and I hadn’t stopped since April — we were writing our theses, sitting final exams, and planning a wedding. On top of all that, we were both working full-time.
Long-distance cycling on e-bikes was no picnic at the start
Maybe we should have test-ridden them first
We sat on our brand-new e-bikes for the very first time (yes, we’re insane) only once they were fully loaded up. In other words, on departure day. I couldn’t even get going until my third or fourth attempt, and for the first two weeks I was falling off regularly like a sack of potatoes (Lukáš fell less often, but he wasn’t immune either). Fully loaded, each bike weighed around 50–60 kg — absolute beasts.
On social media, we happily blamed all our troubles on our two “beauties.” But I’ll confess now — it was our own fault for never riding them beforehand. How do I know? By the end of the trip, we were cruising along like we owned the road!
Charging was never a problem
Riding e-bikes genuinely made things easier, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend them. Ours could manage 70–190 km on a single charge depending on the terrain (190 km being completely flat), and people will let you charge the batteries everywhere. You just have to ask. We once even charged up in a greengrocer’s shop. Just promise me that when you first bring yours home, you won’t ride them straight to Greece, alright?
2) Working while cycling isn’t impossible, but it’s like working with stomach flu
Halfway through the trip, we had to take a 3-day break for non-stop work
Lukáš and I both work online. Thanks to that, I’ve got a whole collection of stories about incredibly unusual places I’ve worked from. When something’s urgent, I can sit down on the ground, switch on mobile data, and work — even in a toilet if I have to. I’ve worked in Uganda at 2,500 metres above sea level and next to bins in an alleyway leading to Prague Castle.
We also worked during our 3-month road trip across America, so we didn’t expect it to be a problem on bikes. And guess what? It was. A massive one.
A quick look around and back on the road
I honestly don’t know what was worse. Being exhausted from pedalling all day, or not being able to just pop down the road for Wi-Fi when the campsite connection wasn’t working (on a bike, even 10 km is a real detour — especially when you’ve already done over 100). On top of that (and this should have been obvious), you can’t do anything while cycling. Normally on road trips, I get half my work done in the car. Here, I had to wait until we stopped somewhere.
What’s worse — the heat or the exhaustion?
A typical day looked like this: we’d get up between six and seven, frantically pack the tent, and fifteen minutes later we’d be half-asleep, hammering away at the pedals. We’d stop at a supermarket for a yoghurt drink instead of a proper breakfast, just to save time. From Central Europe all the way to Greece, temperatures never dropped below 35°C.
We were battling the heat on our bikes right from the start
At midday, we’d stop for an hour or two for lunch, then carry on until the evening (with plenty of stops for cold drinks, of course). We’d arrive at a campsite between six and eight, have a quick wash, cook dinner, then hunt for Wi-Fi and work until midnight.We often couldn’t start working until half past nine, and I probably don’t need to describe how shattered we were (we definitely didn’t need any sleeping pills).
The internet wasn’t always fast, and sometimes it didn’t work at all. It was far from idyllic. Exhaustion, too little time, and constant stress — I felt like I was working through a bout of stomach flu. In fact, this might have been even harder.
3) You have to kiss your freedom goodbye
We knew we’d have to skip a lot of places, but we ended up skipping far more than expected. Basically everything that wasn’t directly on our route. I know travel isn’t about seeing everything. But this robbed us of hiking in the mountains (stunning mountains — and if you know us, you know how much we love trekking).
We could only look at the mountains
The idea of leaving fully loaded e-bikes — carrying everything we owned — unattended somewhere was simply out of the question. I mourned so many hikes, the Greek Meteora, and Mostar. Places I’d been looking forward to that turned out to be impossible to reach on an e-bike. Where’s that legendary freedom you’re supposed to feel when travelling by bicycle?
4) You never properly see anything
You’d think six weeks would be plenty of time for a trip across Europe. But even so, you barely manage to see anything. Spending a few hours somewhere means you hardly make any progress. At the beginning, we tried to enjoy it — we swam in Lake Bled and explored little towns. That didn’t last long. Not once we realised how far behind schedule we were. Plus, there are loads of places you simply can’t reach on a bike.
5) The weather is your worst enemy
Yes, it was a pretty foolish idea to ride to Greece in the peak of summer heat. But we eventually got used to the 40°C temperatures. We learned to dodge the worst of it by getting up early and waiting out the midday sun in cafés and restaurants.
It was either boiling hot, or this
The real nightmare came when we hit torrential rain and freezing cold in the Dolomites. It poured relentlessly all day and all night, and we’d never felt so helpless. We were soaked to the bone, the tent was soaked, the sleeping bags were soaked. Our entire life was soaked! Alright, I’m being dramatic, but our only pair of long trousers and long-sleeved top were drenched, and we had no idea what to do because the rain just kept coming. On top of that, we often found ourselves in situations where there was literally nowhere to shelter from the weather.
6) Cycling is expensive
Cycle touring isn’t the cheapest way to travel
We naively assumed that travelling by bike would be cheap. But if you want to do it legally, you’re paying for a campsite every single night across Europe. And in that scorching heat, we frequently ended up in restaurants and cafés. If you’re sitting comfortably indoors right now, you might think we’re soft — but try cycling eight hours a day in 40°C heat. You’ll stop counting the pennies pretty quickly. So how much did it all cost? That’s a story for another article.
7) You eat the same thing for six weeks straight
At first we used fresh ingredients, but then we realised that spending 2 hours cooking meant getting nothing else done
Since we camped almost every night, we cooked on a tiny portable stove with a single small pot. Coming up with anything more sophisticated than beans or spaghetti after a full day of riding was simply beyond us. And half the time, the ingredients we needed weren’t even available.
Final thoughts
Our e-bikes are currently parked in Písek — where we’ll ride next remains to be seen.
We actually fell in love with cycling (bet you didn’t see that coming, did you?). But not enough to want to go on a fully loaded trip longer than a week, for all the reasons listed above.
I’ve listed plenty of complaints, but the truth is the biggest issues were mainly work and not being able to go hiking. The e-bike itself is a fantastic thing — our beasts are currently parked in Písek, Czech Republic, and whenever we’re home, there’s a good chance you’ll spot us riding them around the countryside.
You can read all the articles from our trip on the Reportér magazine website.
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Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
TL;DRThe author would always pick studying over travelling, because university gives you five things that travel simply can’t replace: deep subject knowledge, critical thinking, a broader perspective through seminars and lectures, hands-on experience (like hours spent developing film in a darkroom), and valuable contacts — both fellow students and role models in the field. She herself studied journalism at Charles University’s Faculty of Social Sciences in the Hollar building, and went regularly to the Summer School of Journalism in Havlíčkův Brod. These are her five concrete reasons for never swapping her studies for travel — and as she puts it, there’s plenty of time left for travelling later in life.
Lately, social media has been flooded with declarations that travel teaches you more than school ever could. Celebrities openly brag in the media about how they hated school and it was useless. It’s no wonder that many young people start thinking they should ditch their studies, grab a backpack, and spend a decade wandering the world. Whether you choose to study abroad or at a local university, travel does teach you a lot — greater tolerance for other cultures, independence, resilience, and adaptability — but there are things it simply cannot replace.
Before I dive into why I would never choose travel over education, let me say a few things. I absolutely don’t think everyone needs to go to university. I believe it’s wonderful when someone decides to become a skilled bricklayer, a florist, or a hairdresser. This article is simply about me — about why I would always choose university before travel.
Living in Canada gave me incredible experiences and made me stronger.
1) There Are Things You Can’t Learn Without University
Our generation wants everything now. But not everything can happen overnight. You can’t become a doctor or a lawyer on the fly, and you certainly can’t get there through self-study alone. But it’s not just about those professions. At university, you explore subjects in a depth you’d never reach on your own. Maybe they don’t even interest you. Chances are you’ll never directly use most of that knowledge. But what it gives you is an understanding that nothing is black and white, that every problem has multiple layers worth examining. It teaches you to approach issues critically — because sure, down at the pub, everyone’s got an opinion on everything, but nobody actually knows much of anything.
2) Seeing the World From a Broader Perspective
Our world moves fast. Most of us are just glad to get through the daily juggle of work and family, with little appetite for deep discussions. Debating, having your own views challenged, and seeing the world through the eyes of people outside your bubble was one of the most fascinating aspects of university. Of course, some institutions don’t give enough space for debate, but that’s a topic for another day. While studying, you have a unique opportunity to attend all sorts of discussions and guest lectures. Sure, you can do that after graduation too — but hand on heart, how many of us actually make the time once real life kicks in?
From my social media, you might think travel is my number one priority. But it has always been education, family, and friends first. Then work and travel.
3) You Get to Try Things You’d Never Otherwise Experience
I didn’t study chemistry or nanotechnology — that would make this point even more compelling. I studied journalism (and loved every minute of it!).
During my first years as an undergraduate, I spent hours in the darkroom developing film and enlarging photographs.I’ve never had a bigger adventure packed into one tiny room.
I remember once trying to threaten my dad: “Fine, I’ll start bringing home bad grades.” And he calmly replied: “Go ahead. They’re your grades.” I never did bring home bad ones, and my mum used to laugh when I got a less-than-perfect mark because she had to console me. I was a nerd. I probably still am.
4) The Connections You Make
Studying journalism meant I was surrounded by people heading into the same or very similar fields. Just being part of that community is enriching in itself. My classmates (far more successful than me, I might add) now work at major TV and radio stations, and whenever I turn on the news or the radio, it’s only a matter of seconds before I hear a familiar voice.
At uni, I had the chance to meet people I’d looked up to since secondary school — some of them even taught me or ran a few of our seminars. I tried to squeeze every last drop out of my studies. In the early years, before I started working, I was running from one internship to the next, taking courses, attending workshops and lectures (for several years I went to a summer journalism school, for instance). Those first years at university were the most wonderful. Thanks to all those activities, I didn’t just discover what I’d enjoy doing — I also figured out what I’d never want to do in a million years.
5) Learning to Navigate the System
This point might sound a bit funny, but it’s true. At university, you’ll have more than a few frustrating encounters with bureaucracy. In the best cases, it’s just wrestling with course requirements and a glitchy exam registration page. Living in Europe means living within a system. And university is basically a training ground for the annual battle with your tax return, sorting out a mortgage, or dealing with insurance companies. Of course, no matter how much practice you get, you’ll still never remember what can be submitted online and what requires printing a mountain of paperwork and handing it in at exactly the right counter. Because the system keeps changing. And our stress levels keep rising accordingly. 🙂
And the number of cafés I discovered during my uni years 😀
When I walked away with my master’s degree, I felt a genuine sadness. I wouldn’t trade those years of study for anything in the world. I’m the kind of person who didn’t want to miss a single class, and I honestly looked forward to most of my lectures. Sure, I sometimes half-heartedly rushed through an assignment, and occasionally I skipped something. But my years studying at Charles University’s Faculty of Social Sciences in Prague were beautiful, exciting, and magical — and I don’t regret for a second that I didn’t spend that time travelling instead. After all, I’ve got a whole lifetime for that.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
TL;DRYou can plan your dream wedding without a coordinator in just a few months, but the big things — venue, dress, invitations — need booking well ahead, while everything else can wait until a month before. The authors describe their wedding for 30 guests at Stodola Suška near Znojmo, which they wouldn’t recommend now given how unreliable the staff turned out to be, suggesting the gardens at Mitrowicz Chateau as a better bet. Total costs came to 222,254 CZK, with the biggest chunks going on music, the celebrant, photography and video (62,000 CZK), guest accommodation (32,000 CZK) and the dress (32,900 CZK). Their advice: splash out on a photographer and videographer, and hold the ceremony in the evening — a midday slot means worse light for photos and less sleep beforehand.
Everyone tells you your wedding will be the best day of your life. But nobody warns you about everything that can go wrong (and I’m not even talking about the weather). That’s what we’re here for. Consider this your honest wedding planning guide so you can make fewer mistakes than we did. You’ll find out how quickly you can plan a wedding like ours, roughly how much it costs, whether you need a wedding coordinator or a DJ, and how to keep your guests entertained.
The Day Before the Wedding, It Looked Like Our Guests Would Starve
Our wedding was supposed to be a fairy tale planned without stress, drama, or frayed nerves. And a fairy tale it turned out to be. Everything went exactly as it should have (no, it wasn’t a disaster — it was magical), but we were on edge the whole time. The day before the wedding, we were desperately searching for pizza delivery to our venue because it looked like half our guests were going to starve.
How Quickly Can You Plan a Wedding
Lukáš proposed in December 2017. We wanted a summer wedding, which meant we needed to find a venue as fast as possible. I suspected the most beautiful ones might already be fully booked. We managed to grab a Thursday slot (26 July 2018) — the rest of the summer at our dream venue was long gone. Once we’d secured the venue, I started sorting out the dress. The venue, dress, and invitations are really the only things you need to arrange well in advance. Everything else we sorted out just a month before the wedding.
Rings and Dress — All Bought Online
I had a crystal-clear vision of my wedding dress, which I’d found on Pinterest. A gorgeous two-piece number with a fairy-tale skirt and a loose lace top. I couldn’t find anything similar in local bridal shops. Then it hit me — why search for something similar when I could just order the exact dress I’d pinned? I tracked down the studio that made it, sent my measurements, and prayed that Lukáš had measured me correctly. When they arrived, they fit like a glove, and I smugly declared that our wedding was going to be completely stress-free.
The same approach worked for the rings. We visited several jewellery shops and nothing caught our eye. That evening, I picked a ring online in about five minutes, telling myself that the little band I’d be wearing was probably the most boring ring in the world, because it’s just a circle. Once again, I struck gold. The ring arrived looking even more beautiful than it had on the website, and I decided it wasn’t such a boring circle after all.
I thought I had this whole wedding thing figured out. But then the first real problems appeared.
No Hairdresser — I Did My Own Makeup
I couldn’t find anyone locally I’d trust with my look for the big day, so I decided to do my own hair and makeup. That morning, I lounged in bed with my maid of honour watching The Simpsons, and before lunch I hopped out, curled my hair, did my makeup in fifteen minutes, and went to eat. I couldn’t have asked for a more relaxed pre-wedding morning.
TIP: Want to look flawless but not confident enough to do your own makeup? Put yourself in the hands of a skilled makeup artist.
A Wedding in Reverse — Why You Should Get Married in the Evening
A long lie-in and plenty of time — that’s what an evening ceremony gave us. The wedding kicked off with a reception at five o’clock, meaning I had until at least two in the afternoon, when we’d scheduled photos with Lukáš and the bridesmaids. So why an evening wedding? Getting married at noon is the worst idea because if the sun is out, you’re guaranteed the harshest lighting conditions for photos. Hard light and harsh shadows are nobody’s friend. Plus, you actually get a decent night’s sleep beforehand.
Our “Dream Venue” — The Worst Choice We Made
While everyone admires our wedding venue in photos, I actively talk anyone out of choosing it. It was beautiful, sure, but if we hadn’t been in the middle of university exams before the wedding and had even a little time to search for somewhere new, I’d have changed it in a heartbeat. What would I pick today? Probably the gardens of Mitrowicz Castle, because the owner is brilliant.
When we visited the venue manager at Stodola Suška for our first meeting in December, we were thrilled. She came out with all the right phrases: “anything is possible,” “we can handle the catering, vegetarian is no problem,” and “we’ll decorate everything exactly how you want.” We drove away buzzing, paid the deposit, and didn’t think about it again.
The Manager Tried to Force Goulash and Schnitzel on Us
By the second meeting in February, the excitement had faded. The manager pushed a menu full of schnitzels, goulash, and a roast pig, because “that’s what guests enjoy.” I left feeling utterly defeated and miserable — the only consolation being that we could still change it. After carefully studying the menu she’d offered, though, we realised there was no way to piece together the light, healthy reception we’d envisioned.
After an extensive search for the right caterer, we contacted I Feel Good in Prague about two and a half months before the wedding. After a brief chat about our vision, they put together a perfect menu and even offered a tasting picnic. We excitedly told the venue we wouldn’t be needing their catering and looked forward to the picnic.
We wouldn’t recommend Stodola Suška for a wedding
You’re Not Using Our Kitchen!
But the venue manager’s response was a flat-out no. We were stunned — there was nothing about this in the contract, and nobody had ever mentioned it. When we demanded an explanation, she suddenly said she’d try to convince the owner. She kept dodging and stalling until just 3 weeks before the wedding, when we finally got a clear answer: no outside catering allowed, because they wouldn’t let us into the kitchen. She offered to have their own chef cook our I Feel Good menu instead.
Your Guests Will Go Hungry, Declared the Manager in Charge of Catering
I’d love to tell you that was the end of the headaches, but it wasn’t. The day before the wedding, we arrived at the venue and the manager announced — in front of the bridesmaids and family — that the guests would go hungry. I stared at her in disbelief. How could roughly €1,800 worth of food for 30 people not be enough? “You worked out the portions with the chef yourself, so surely the maths adds up,” I protested. “Yes, but you said your guests don’t eat much.” “EXCUSE ME?” That was the last straw. Lukáš pulled me away, reassuring me it would be fine. For the record: half the food was left over. But we spent the entire day before the wedding figuring out where to order extra food.
I’d also love to tell you that was the only issue with this fairy-tale venue, but it wasn’t. Not a single promise they made was kept. They forgot to set up the sound system and the fairy lights on the wedding arch in advance. Thankfully, we hadn’t relied on the manager and brought everything ourselves just in case.
How We Handled the Music
We went with live music for the ceremony, but for the indoor reception we relied on Spotify. And honestly, it was one of the best decisions we made. We had two playlists — one calm and chilled for before the ceremony, and another for dancing afterwards.
What’s Worth Investing In
I always knew my big wedding splurge would be the photographer. And I’m so glad that, while the venue choice was terrible, the photographer was an absolute winner — Olda from Něco Modrého (Something Blue). I think his photos speak for themselves. But what they won’t tell you is that Olda isn’t just a brilliant photographer — he’s also a wonderful person you’re genuinely happy to have at your wedding. We liked him so much that we consider him a friend today (and we hope he feels the same).
Our other big investment was the team from DIB Production. We saw their work about six months before the wedding and instantly knew we needed them. We didn’t just want a wedding video — we wanted a DIB wedding video.
Your Guests Will Entertain Themselves — But Here Are Some Ideas
We worried about what our guests would do at the reception. Turns out, there was nothing to worry about. You don’t need anything. No games, no gimmicks. That said, a few touches can add a bit of extra fun.
1) Chocolate Fountain
Our biggest wedding hit. Who says food can’t be entertainment?
2) Polaroid Photos and a Guest Book
Signs reading “I want to get married too” and “I only came for the food” lured even our grandparents into posing. By the end of the evening, we had a full wedding guest book stuffed with Polaroids.
3) Where We Have to Travel Within a Year
We let our guests decide where we’d travel the following year. They dropped destination suggestions into a box, and in the early hours of the morning we drew three at random. How we’re getting to Antarctica, we still haven’t figured out.
4) A Message to Open in Ten Years
When I was little, I wrote a letter to my future eighteen-year-old self. This time, though, it wasn’t me writing to my 35-year-old self — it was our wedding guests. They had the chance to write us a message that we’ll open in 10 years.
Our wedding was magical, despite all the planning headaches and all the stress caused by the venue. And yours will be too. You don’t need a coordinator or months of work to plan a beautiful wedding. All you need is a clear vision, a wedding planning checklist, a few phone calls and meetings. And nerves of steel.
How Much Does a Wedding Cost
We didn’t set a strict budget, but roughly planned for the wedding to cost around €8,000, expecting about 55 guests. In the end, only 30 of us attended, but it still cost more. The final bill came to approximately €8,900 — not counting our time, six months of driving back and forth to the venue, and various small expenses.
Outfits for the bride, bridesmaids, and groom: €1,315
Wedding rings: €520
Chocolate for the fountain: €40
Guest book: €36
Instax film: €68
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
TL;DRThe Twisto card can save you up to 13% on travel by combining cashback with a Premium account discount – that’s 7% on accommodation through Booking.com (4% cashback plus 3% Premium discount) and 4.5% on flights through Kiwi.com (1% cashback plus 3% Premium discount). Twisto also gives you better exchange rates on foreign currency payments than most banks, free travel insurance from UNIQA (with English-language… actually, in your own language) cover for trips up to 30 days, including winter sports, plus a waterproof contactless payment wristband. Premium costs 99 CZK a month (the first three months are free), while the basic version stays free forever. Sign up with the promo code LOUDAVYMKROKEM and you’ll bag a 300 CZK bonus on top.
If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the lookout for ways to travel cheaper. And the biggest expenses are always flights and accommodation. We’ve written before about how to find cheap flights and stays, but now we’ve stumbled on yet another way to grab both for EVEN LESS — and it all comes down to using the right travel card.
We’ve been using a payment card from Twisto.cz for almost a year now, but it only clicked a month ago that it’s brilliant for travelling. It’s a service that offers a payment card with travel insurance, cashback and the option to pay off your spending once a month.
This article is just a quick taster of how you can use a travel card like this to save on the road. If you want the full picture, read our HUGE TWISTO REVIEW over on our other blog.
What exactly does this travel card offer?
Cashback of up to 13% on card purchases
For travel, the most appealing cashback comes from Booking.com (2%–4% on every reservation) and Kiwi.com, where you get 1.5% of your flight price back. At the moment there are roughly 60 retailers offering cashback, including pharmacies, electronics shops and even clothing stores.
Better exchange rates abroad than your usual bank
High street banks used to happily slap us with up to a 5% fee for paying in a foreign currency. That doesn’t happen with this travel card — and with the euro, for example, the difference works out at more than a couple of cents per unit, which really adds up on bigger purchases.
Free travel insurance for trips up to 30 days, winter sports included
The insurance is arranged through the UNIQA insurance company and covers the whole family if you’re travelling together. Compared with other similar cards, you get clear terms you can actually read through and understand — no fine print buried in jargon.
An extra 3% off every foreign payment with Premium
Premium costs about €4 a month (the first 3 months are free). The basic version is free forever.
WHICH MEANS that with a Premium account, you can get up to 7% off accommodation (4% + 3%) and 4.5% (1% + 3%) off flights!
Payment wristbands
On top of the card itself, you also get a contactless payment wristband you can even swim with. No need to carry your card around, no one can copy your details from it, and it’s 100% more secure. Plus, there’s something quite satisfying about paying for your shopping with a flick of the wrist.
Paying your bills for you
Whenever a bill lands in your inbox, you just forward it on and they take care of it for you. No more typing payment details into online banking by hand.
A bonus just for signing up
And now the best part — the reason we decided to write this article in the first place. Because we’re one of the most active users, we got a special promo code that gives our friends a sign-up bonus (registration is free and takes just a moment). And since we count all our readers as friends (and no one told us not to), we’re sharing the link with you too.
How do you claim the free bonus?
Just click HERE and register, or enter the promo code LOUDAVYMKROKEM when signing up.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
TL;DRA full touring bike kit covers the bike itself with panniers, camping gear, technical clothing and a few practical extras. You’ll want waterproof Sport Arsenal panniers, a bike lock, puncture repair kits, tools (Allen keys, tyre levers, a 15mm spanner), chain oil and a first aid kit. For sleeping, the ultralight Marmot Tungsten UL 3P tent, a Pinguin Skyline L inflatable mat and a 650g Trimm Cyklo sleeping bag do the job nicely. Nanosilver clothing with nano-silver treatment stays wearable for 10–12 days without a wash, and the standout kit includes a Livall smart helmet with a built-in rear-view mirror, a foldable backpack, polarised sunglasses and a silver-infused sports bottle.
Our cycling journey across Europe started at the computer. We were researching all the cycling gear you need for long-distance touring. The bike, tent, and sleeping pad were obvious, but we were looking for specific tips on how to make the trip easier and ideas for clever gadgets that might come in handy on the road.
We couldn’t find much, so we turned to the experts. We spoke with retailers, manufacturers, and seasoned cyclists to get a clear picture of what no touring cyclist should be without.
In the end, we set off with gear that fit into four bike panniers, two backpacks hanging off the rear racks, and a handlebar bag. Our luggage contains everything from tools, cooking equipment, food, and spices to clothing, plus a heap of electronics (and a drone) that we need for our work.
“Because we know how difficult it is to prepare for a bike trip (we spent the first week popping into shops every other day to buy things we hadn’t thought of), we’ve put together a list of everything we packed.”
1) Bikes, Panniers and Accessories
Choosing the bike was the hardest part — not only because it’s the biggest investment of the entire trip. The bike’s design affects everything else, from pannier mounting options to how comfortable the ride feels.
We’re not hardcore cyclists, so we went for e-bikes. You can’t really choose a good bike on your own, and even with help at a specialist e-bike shop, you still won’t be sure what to go for. We eventually picked bikes from the Ghost brand. Even though it’s supposedly a higher-end brand, we still have issues with the bikes. The more electronics, the more problems. 🙂
Our beasts are the Ghost Andasol Trekking 5 (Lukáš) and the Ghost Andasol Wave 9 (Luci). Even though the stated range is 90–215 km, with our load and terrain, we can manage 70 km at most before we start looking for a charger (90 km is the absolute limit — we’ve never gone further on a single charge).
Bike Panniers
On a long bike trip, you’ll be carrying loads of stuff that needs to go somewhere. There’s a wide range of panniers and bike bags you can buy. But it’s not as simple as walking into a shop, picking the nicest-looking ones, packing up, and riding off. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.
Panniers attach to racks that can be mounted on the front and rear wheels (on most bikes, at least). But every extra kilogram seriously affects handling, so you need to pay attention to weight distribution.
We went with panniers from the Czech manufacturer Sport Arsenal, who gave us excellent advice. Due to load capacity, we had to remove the original rear racks (supplied by the bike manufacturer) and fit sturdier ones.
We chose all our panniers from the “expedition cycle touring” range because they’re welded and fully waterproof. We carry laptops, cameras, and other electronics that are extremely sensitive to moisture. Without waterproof panniers, one rain shower would be enough to destroy our devices.
Bike Accessories You Can’t Do Without
A solid bike lock that can easily secure two bikes together. We have one that can’t be easily cut through, but we don’t carry a fully metal U-lock. That would be way too heavy. 🙂
At least two puncture repair kits. One with vulcanising glue and one self-adhesive as a backup in case the glue dries out (though the self-adhesive patches never worked for us, so we’re not sure how useful they really are).
Bike tools. We carry a 15mm wrench, a set of hex keys, and tyre levers.
Chain lube — you can’t go without it. We oil the chain every other day.
Plastic zip ties (cable ties). We use them as a first-aid fix for everything, from securing items to the bike frame to realigning a mudguard.
A first-aid kit. You wouldn’t believe how many times you’ll cut yourself (Lukáš even sliced his leg with a knife!), bump into things, or fall off the bike.
This part was easier because we had the help of Víťa from 4camping, an experienced traveller. He helped us choose the tent and sleeping pad.
Tent: Marmot Tungsten UL 3P
For the trip, we needed an ultralight tent because every gram counts. It weighs just 1.9 kg, packs down to a length that fits perfectly on the rear rack, is very spacious, and we can pitch or pack it away in five minutes. Meet the Marmot Tungsten UL 3P.
It measures 229 cm in length and 168 cm in width, so we fit inside comfortably with all our panniers. Only the bare bikes stay outside.
Sleeping Pads: Pinguin Skyline L
We’re not exactly high-maintenance — in Uganda, Hawaii, and other places where we’ve camped, we slept on the cheapest foam pads from Walmart. But when we visited an outdoor expo and tried an inflatable sleeping pad, there was no going back.
The Pinguin Skyline L is a fantastic pad with an integrated pump that you inflate by stepping on it. It takes about three minutes, and we’ve slept comfortably on it even on a rocky forest edge. Packed down, it measures 13 × 32 cm and fits easily into a bike pannier.
Sleeping Bag
Just like the tent, the most important feature of a sleeping bag is its weight. We’re happy with our Trimm Cyklo — it weighs only 650 g and is ideal for summer temperatures. It serves us equally well on warm lowland nights and cold mountain ones. Packed dimensions are truly minimal at 15 × 24 cm.
Cooking Set
A stove is absolutely essential when camping. We’re fans of the Czech brand Pinguin, so we picked their gas stove, which is freestanding. That means it doesn’t screw onto the cartridge but stands on its own three legs. These burners are more stable and can support a larger pot.
Clothing always takes up the most space. That’s why we wanted pieces that are compact, functional, and don’t need washing too often. On the bike, moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties are key — because nobody wants to put on a damp jersey in the morning.
We kitted ourselves out with a sports range infused with nanosilver from the Czech brand Nanosilver. We’re most impressed with the socks — three pairs genuinely last us 10–12 days. The silver effectively kills odour-causing bacteria and organic compounds found in sweat, so the jersey, t-shirts, and socks are virtually fresh by morning.
Even though we sweat all day on the bikes, we like to dress nicely when we’re in town. But when you’re touring, every gram counts, so we spent a long time choosing (well, Lucka did the choosing 🙂) the perfect travel dress. She found them at Lady Vyvialová near Ostrava, who makes ultralight fashion pieces from nanomaterials.
So we carry two dresses that weigh practically nothing (less than a pair of shorts!), are super comfortable, and dry quickly.
4) Clever Gadgets
Smart Helmet: Livall
We were looking for a safe way to listen to podcasts and take phone calls while riding. Livall helmets have integrated speakers positioned above the ears, so when you’re listening to something, you can still hear your surroundings — cars, other cyclists shouting, everything. And if you have two helmets (like us), you can talk to each other through an app (though that requires an internet connection, so we don’t use it to save data).
The helmets also feature built-in indicators, making you highly visible in low light. Once you learn to operate them, you can signal turns just like a car.
Helmet-Mounted Rearview Mirror
Sure, people will look at you like you’re from another planet, but we absolutely swear by our helmet-mounted rearview mirror. It’s the most important piece of our cycling gear. Why is it better than a handlebar mirror? It doesn’t stick out to the side, and you don’t have to take your eyes off the road (because you can see what’s behind you right in front of your face).
Foldable Backpack
Sometimes we want to leave the bikes somewhere and go for a hike or sightseeing on foot. For those occasions, we carry foldable backpacks that, when packed down, are about the size of a crumpled cloth and weigh almost nothing.
When unfolded, they comfortably fit everything we need for the day, and they even have an integrated rain cover in case it starts pouring.
Polarised Sunglasses
The sun can be brutal, especially in summer. On a bike, you need 100% visibility at all times — whether you’re checking for cars behind you or scanning the road ahead. One sharp stone is all it takes to puncture a tyre. We picked up polarised sunglasses at a cycling shop that eliminate glare, making riding comfortable even on the brightest days.
Silver-Infused Sports Bottle
On the road, we make our own isotonic drinks, and you’ve probably experienced a plastic bottle starting to smell on the inside. A black layer forms at the bottom and the bottle is ruined. That doesn’t happen with bottles infused with nanosilver, so we each carry one.
TIP: If you enjoy organised cycling holidays, check out cycling holiday packages and pick the perfect one for you!
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
TL;DRThe bloggers behind Loudavým Krokem took on their first e-bike expedition in 2018 – a 45-day trip from the Czech Republic through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Greece, from where they sailed to Italy and rode on to the Dolomites. The route was meant to cover 4800 km, though they planned to shorten parts of it with buses or night trains. They set off on 30 July and aimed to be home by 14 September. The point of the trip was to test whether long-distance cycle touring is manageable for untrained people who work along the way and sleep in a tent.
A 45-day electric cycling journey on e-bikes, kicking off on July 30th — this is the very first bike expedition we’ve ever undertaken. We know absolutely nothing about cycle touring. We don’t have a detailed plan. But we do know where we’re starting from, where we want to end up, and when we need to be back. Everything in between? You’ll see it unfold on our social media and blog.
Us with our full gear setup
Why are we doing this?
We want to find out whether two completely untrained people can pedal for six weeks straight on electric bikes, sleep in a tent every night, and still manage to work as usual. Basically — is long-distance cycling on e-bikes something regular, everyday people can pull off? 🙂
What will come out of this trip?
When Lukáš first came up with the idea of cycling across Europe, we tried to Google as much information as we could. But we quickly realised there’s very little out there in practical, beginner-friendly terms. If you’re not already an experienced cyclist, most of the available resources aren’t much help.
That’s why we want to put together a comprehensive, practical guide for anyone thinking about doing something like this. Once we’re back home, you’ll be able to read our full guide to long-distance electric cycling — from the very first idea to the first push of the pedal.
What gear to choose, which bikes to go for, what you absolutely must pack, how many kilometres you can realistically cover per day with all that luggage, what you’ll get to see from the saddle, what it’s like sleeping in a tent on the road, and how much the whole thing costs. All this and much more will be coming soon. 😉
Approximate route plan
We’re setting off from the Czech Republic and riding through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Albania all the way to Greece. From there, we’ll catch a ferry to Italy, cycle up through the country to the Dolomites, spend a few days there, and then take a bus back home for the final stretch.
The total distance works out to around 4,800 km, but we won’t be pedalling the entire way. We’re planning to shorten certain sections by hopping on buses or overnight trains as needed, so that we’re back home by September 14th.
Postcards from the road and supporting seniors
Some of you have already been asking whether we’ll be sending postcards from the road again. We will — but this time with a twist. Any extra funds you send our way will be donated to a Czech charity called Hurá na výlet, which organises trips and leisure activities for seniors and people with disabilities.
Where to follow us
Since we’re total social media creatures, you’ll find us pretty much everywhere — on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and right here on our blog, as well as in the online edition of Reportér magazine.
We love supporting brands and shops that we’ve been happy with for years, or that make products we’re genuinely excited about. We teamed up with several of them as partners for this trip. Some provided us with gear (4camping, Nanosilver, Lada Vyvialová, Sport Arsenal, Profidresy.cz), while others contributed financially (Altclub.com).
4camping
4camping
We’ve always bought our travel and camping gear from 4camping (and we’ve got a lot of it!), because they’ve always given us brilliant advice — who else is going to navigate all those sleeping bag sizes, waterproof ratings, and similar specs, right? In our opinion, it’s the best outdoor e-shop in the Czech Republic, so we were thrilled to agree on a partnership where they provided us with camping equipment and several cycling accessories. Thanks to this collaboration, we got to meet Víťa, an avid traveller and outdoor gear specialist, who walked us through how to properly choose a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Nanosilver
Nanosilver
We’ve been involved in the Czech nanotechnology scene for a few years now, which is how we came across Nanosilver — a Czech brand that uses nanotechnology to produce fantastic functional clothing and sports accessories. Thanks to silver particles bonded directly to the fabric fibres, their products are antibacterial. That means you can wear the same t-shirt or socks for several days in a row (they claim up to a week — we’ll report back! :)) and even after a full day of sweating, they smell fresh as laundry in the morning. They kitted us out with cycling jerseys, t-shirts, and various accessories that we’ll be using throughout the trip.
Us wearing Nanosilver gear
Sport Arsenal
Sport Arsenal
Like any proper expedition cyclists, we’ll be carrying all our belongings in panniers mounted on our bikes. And since we’re hauling a ton of tech and equipment (we need to work, take photos, and film along the way), the bags need to be high-quality and waterproof. The best Czech manufacturer for this is Sport Arsenal, so we agreed to test their product line designed specifically for longer expeditions.
Lada Vyvialová
LadaFashion
When you hear “nanotechnology textiles,” designer clothing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet not far from the Czech city of Ostrava, gorgeous dresses and fashion accessories are being made from Czech nanomaterials. Beyond being beautiful, they’re incredibly practical too. UV filters woven into the fabric prevent the sun from heating your skin, keeping you cool even in sweltering weather. The silver content eliminates odour from sweat, and the natural lightness of the materials makes Lada’s dresses the perfect travel companion.
Dress and wrap by Lada
Proficyklodresy.cz
Proficyklodresy
Almost exclusively in the Czech Republic, proficyklodresy.cz imports Livall smart cycling helmets. These helmets come with built-in speakers, a walkie-talkie function, Bluetooth connectivity, and LED lights around the back that flash to alert drivers to the cyclist’s presence. Since people keep asking us whether we’ll get bored on the bikes, we want to test whether you can comfortably listen to podcasts or music while riding.
The smart helmets play music on the go — and more importantly, they FLASH
Altclub.com
Altclub
Our lives are pretty closely tied to cryptocurrency. Among other things, Lukáš writes regularly for the online crypto community Altclub.com, which decided to support our trip financially. If you’re just getting started with crypto, looking for a reliable source of information, or want to join a community of people who live and breathe cryptocurrency, check out Altclub 🙂
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
TL;DRThree hikes worth building a High Tatras trip around: the walk to Skok waterfall from Štrbské Pleso (2.5–3 hours, under 400 m of ascent, fine for kids), a tougher full-day route from Štrbské Pleso via Popradské Pleso to Sliezsky dom (5–6 hours, 14.5 km, 700 m of ascent), and a hike from Tatranská Lomnica up to Chata pri Zelenom Plese beneath Malý Kežmarský štít (6:30 hours there and back, 641 m of ascent). The first and last suit less experienced walkers, while the middle one is better tackled without children. The hut at Zelené Pleso also does overnight stays.
Are you looking for a longer trek or a family hike in the Tatras? In this guide, High Tatras, Slovakia: 3 Beautiful Treks for Everyone, I’ll share three truly beautiful tips for treks in the High Tatras, which you can also do off-season (well, like us). If you’re interested in something more challenging, read about how to do the Tatras traverse.
Where to Stay in the High Tatras
Before you head to Tatranská Lomnica or Štrbské Pleso to start your trek, you’ll likely need to spend a night nearby. Finding affordable accommodation in the High Tatras can be quite a challenge, especially during peak season. Here’s an overview of accommodations currently on offer:
This is a pleasant, easy hike with an elevation gain of less than 400 meters, suitable even for children, as the terrain is gently ascending and there are no steep or otherwise dangerous spots on the path.
Skok Waterfall and Lukáš’s Statesmanlike Pose
The Route
You can start at Štrbské Pleso (train station) where you will follow the yellow trail to the crossroads with the magistrála (as they call the main path), where you turn left and walk for 5-10 minutes between the hotels of the sports complex.
View from the Trail to Skok Waterfall
For us, the landmarks were the ski jump, lifts, and cable car. From there, the path gradually ascends, first leading through the forest of Mlynická Valley, then through dwarf pines and Tatra pines. Once you get past the dwarf pine section, you will soon see the magnificent Skok Waterfall before you.
The trek takes 2.5-3 hours
Luci also wanted a photo with the waterfall, but it’s not quite statesmanlike anymore 😀
2) from Štrbské Pleso to Popradské Pleso and on to Sliezsky Dom
Families with children also hike from Štrbské Pleso to Popradské Pleso; it’s a relatively easy route. However, if you continue from Popradské Pleso to Sliezsky dom, we recommend leaving the children at home. This is a rather demanding, full-day hike. But it’s definitely worth it.
View of Popradské Pleso from Ostrva Peak
What the Route Looks Like
From the Solisko sanatorium, we walk around Štrbské Pleso from the right, and then begin to ascend along a forest path over the Trigán ridge (you’ve probably realized how difficult it is for me to decline Slovak names in Czech). From there, we continue to the crossroads of the “winter path” along the red trail, and from the crossroads, the path leads briefly through the forest, and then we join an asphalt path that will lead us to Chata pri Popradskom plese.
If you continue further, check the sky for storm clouds (not like us, read here). If the sky is clear (nicely blue), we walk around the lake and continue across the bridge over the Ľadový potok to the other side and begin to ascend. Here you’ll work up quite a sweat as you scramble up to the saddle below Ostrva, from where there’s a magnificent view of the Mengusovská, Zlomisková, and Rumanová valleys.
This is what it looks like when a storm is heading your way
From here, the rest of the path is less demanding (unless a storm catches you like it did us) and you’ll gradually start to descend towards Sliezsky dom (which we just barely didn’t reach due to the storm).
A wonderful hike that seemed easier to us than “on paper”; the ascent is gradual, so even less fit individuals can manage it (which we were at the time).
The route ends at Chata pri Zelenom Plese, where you can stay overnight
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How to get There
We set out from Tatranská Lomnica along the yellow trail through a forest path upstream of the streamKežmarská Biela voda. The path leads for a long time through a small forest, past a place , which is called Študentská studňa, and you’ll recognize it by the shelter built there where you can sit down and have a snack.
Morning Rays over Green Lake
From there, you continue to ascend, and the forest gradually thins out; you’ll enter the dwarf pine zone until you finally see a magnificent hut by an emerald green lake, surrounded by the majestic triangular wall of Malý Kežmarský štít. From the hut, you can also see Baranie rohy, Čierny štít, and Kolový štít to the west, along with the Frozen Valleys.
Directly above the hut rises Jastrabia veža, and a bit further to the right is the threshold of Červená dolinka and Kozí štít. To the north of the hut, there is also Biele pleso and Kopské sedlo, where a hiking trail leads, but it was closed when we were there.
You can stay overnight at the hut, and we can only recommend it!
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
TL;DRGábi in Wanderland’s roundup of Iceland’s 16 best hot springs mixes wild, free-to-visit hot pots (Hellulaug, Snorralaug, Hrunalaug, Seljavellir, Grettislaug, Landbrotalaug and more) with commercial spas like Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Water temperatures range from 26°C to 44°C, though most sit around 35–42°C. Most wild springs cost nothing, while commercial lagoons such as Sky Lagoon will set you back 12,000–14,000 ISK. Icelandic pools require a compulsory naked, soapy shower before you get in. For 2026, Mývatn Nature Baths is rebranding as Earth Lagoon from late June/early July, with Forest Lagoon near Akureyri and GeoSea in Húsavík as alternatives.
Heading to Iceland and planning to visit the most magical hot pots? Gábi in Wanderland has spent two wonderful weeks in Iceland and picked the most beautiful ones for you.
When you say Iceland, many people think of raw nature, endless waterfalls, whales, Icelandic ponies, the Northern Lights… I associate Iceland with hot pots – hot lakes, pools, whether naturally created or man-made.
That feeling when it ‘s freezing outside, youfinally take off your swimsuit (or even without it) with great effortand then you get into a hot bath right in the middle of nature, undisturbed by anyone, and you just feel your body gradually warming up, your head turning off and suddenly you find yourself in paradise. The silence all around, the smell (yes, I smell the thermal waters) of the thermal vapours, God, it’s so great, I’ll tell you!
What is their temperature?
But now for the facts, because you’re probably wondering where the best ones are, how to get them, how much they cost and if they’re really that warm.
Water temperature: yes, hot pots in Iceland are indeed warm, but it’s hard to define what a comfortable water temperature is. For example, where I felt like I was in heaven, my husband felt like he got burnt and, on the contrary, where he was comfortable with the water, I could tolerate a bit warmer. But they are warm, just some more, some less. Average around 35°C-40°C.
How much do hot pots cost?
Basic rules for swimming in hot pots: most hot pots in Iceland are free. Therefore, it would be fair if everyone treated them in such a way that they remain free – that is:
Some of the hotspots are on private property
If the hotpot is on private property and it is possible to contact the landowner, always do so and ask if it is okay to bathe in it (you will not get a negative answer)
Basic rules for swimming in hot pots
Keep clean and do not use any shower gels, soaps or other chemical products.
Always take all your rubbish away and dispose of it in the bin.
Be aware that swimming in hot pots is at your own risk and before you get in one, make sure it’s not too hot so you don’t burn yourself.
If there is a voluntary donation box in place, it is for the upkeep of the hot pot and not for the profit of its owner. Every little bit of money counts.
Always park in parking spaces and do not drive off the marked road.
Be considerate and treat nature with respect.
And there you have it, a list of the best hot pot, along with a link to the Instagram accounts where you can be inspired by more photos from Iceland.
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Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
TL;DRThe main danger in the Tatras is the weather, which can turn in minutes, with storms building over the mountains without warning. The authors found this out first-hand hiking from Popradské pleso towards Sliezsky dom, when a violent storm hit and lightning struck just a few steps away. Staff at the information centre in Štrbské Pleso had already warned them to watch the clouds and think twice about continuing, since a storm near the summit is genuinely dangerous. The route that day ran 23 km with 900 m of ascent, and the path to Koprovský štít was closed too, as trails there don’t open until later than late May. The lesson: carry a rain jacket and keep an eye on the sky the whole way round.
Today’s going to be a little different. If you’re looking for a practical guide on how to cross the Tatras, head over to our other article. Today I want to talk about the very real Tatras dangers lurking in the mountains of Slovakia, why we went there, and what actually happened to us. I’ll also talk about my love for Slovakia and why you should love it too.
Stunning view of Štrbské Pleso from the shore
How Mission Slovakia Began
Slovakia holds a special place in my heart. My dad always made sure we never forgot the shared history between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. So I spent my summer holidays in Slovakia or with Slovak friends who in turn made it their mission to teach me all the quirky Slovak words and make sure I could pronounce them properly.
Thanks to that, I understand Slovak without much trouble. I read books in Slovak, and even the thick eastern Slovak accent doesn’t throw me off.
I make an effort to keep my Slovak friendships alive — I feel like I need their wilder, more carefree energy in my life. So you can imagine my shock when, a year ago, Lukáš admitted he’d never been to Slovakia. He sometimes couldn’t understand our Slovak friend and had never even tasted proper halušky (Slovak potato dumplings).
Mission Slovakia
And so Mission Slovakia began. At the first opportunity, I dragged Lukáš to Bratislava, introduced him to most of my Slovak friends, and put Slovak books in his hands. He read and read, then listened and listened, until the day we stood together in the Slovak Tatras and he declared we were moving here.
Getting around the Tatras by cog railway
The very same words I’d spoken 15 years earlier while listening to my Bratislava friends chat away. Back then I was convinced I’d marry a Slovak (that won’t be happening, given our upcoming wedding). But living in Slovakia? That dream isn’t fading — if anything, it’s getting closer.
A Bomb Scare on the Train
Getting to the Tatras from the UK is easiest by flying into Kraków or Poprad. From there, you can take a train or rent a car. We were travelling from the Czech Republic and planned to catch the last connection to Štrba (the village of Tatranská Štrba), then hop on the connecting train to Štrba station (the village of Štrba — yes, the naming is confusing), where we had our budget accommodation booked.
Gorgeous view from Ostrva peak
Someone had called in a bomb threat on a train, though, and our connection was delayed by over 40 minutes. Since it was ten in the evening, we decided to grab a taxi — after all, it was only about 5 kilometres to our accommodation.
Two spoiled city dwellers (that’s us) miscalculated, though. Getting a taxi on a Saturday night in a tiny mountain village? Not as simple as you’d think. One driver said he couldn’t come for at least an hour. The other said he was already going to bed. No other numbers to be found.
What I Love About Slovaks
The warmth and friendliness I adore about Slovaks showed itself the moment we set off on foot into the night with 10 kg backpacks. The owner of our apartment declared there was no way we were walking and drove out to pick us up.
View from Chata pri Zelenom Plese
Accommodation for Just 10 € per Person
Our accommodation cost only about 10 € per person per night, so we were a little worried about what we were walking into. We found ourselves in a house straight out of a retro film — the staircase smelled like my grandmother’s attic, and the apartments were furnished with genuine, unapologetic socialist-era furniture. But everything was spotless and sparkling clean — you could’ve eaten off the floor.
Our accommodation in Štrba
Being in the Slovak Tatras at the end of May has its pros and cons. Let me start with the good stuff: there are virtually no tourists. Most people you’ll encounter are Slovaks — school trips, team-building groups, or locals on a day out from the cities.
Now the downside: most trails don’t open until mid-June. And we didn’t know that, because of course we hadn’t bothered to check.
Tatras Dangers: Why You MUST Look UP
Luckily, our first stop was the information centre. We marched in confidently, announced we were heading to Koprovský Štít and demanded a map. They crushed our plans before we even reached the counter, telling us the trail was closed.
Always look up
They suggested we hike from Štrbské Pleso to Popradské Pleso and then on to Sliezsky Dom. “When you reach Popradské Pleso, check the clouds and decide whether to continue. You don’t want to get caught in a storm up on the ridge,” the young man at the info centre warned us. We nodded obediently. Then we walked to Popradské Pleso, looked up at the ominous storm clouds, shrugged, and climbed the hill anyway (it’s called Ostrva).
And then it hit. This was no gentle drizzle. It was a full-blown thunderstorm — the kind that makes you truly understand why mountains deserve your respect.
It looked innocent enough
How We Nearly Died
I’ve always loved thunderstorms. But I was rapidly rethinking that relationship as we pushed on through torrential rain towards Sliezsky Dom. We had no rain jackets, not even a jumper. Lightning bolts crashed around us, splitting against the surrounding peaks.
“If lightning strikes me, please delete all my texts. Otherwise my girlfriend will kill me a second time,” joked a Slovak hiker walking beside us. We didn’t find it quite as funny. After all, we were Czechs — and Czechs in the Tatras have a reputation for getting into trouble (as we’d been reminded multiple times before the trip).
CRACK. CRACK. CRACK.
Thunder roared from every direction. The rain was so heavy we couldn’t see the trail ahead, and we were starting to count our blessings — or rather, our remaining minutes.
BOOM.
I dropped to the ground and shielded my head. Lightning had just struck a few steps away from us. My heart was pounding in my stomach, my temples, my lungs, my head — everywhere. I could feel it pumping blood with furious intensity. We were officially in the middle of the storm.
You Have to Keep Going, Even When Lightning Rages Around You
There was nothing else to do but press on. So all three of us — plus our joke-cracking Slovak — walked on trembling legs around the ridge. We were less hikers at this point and more moving masses of flowing water. Not a dry stitch on us. But it didn’t matter. Water mixed with adrenaline was surprisingly warm, and our only thought was getting down as fast as possible.
A thunderstorm in the mountains is no joke
After an hour in the storm, the rain finally eased and we found ourselves (at last!) on a trail leading down through the forest. Our Slovak friend treated us to Tatra tea and halušky. After 23 km, 900 m of elevation gain, being soaked to the bone and with a dash of alcohol in our veins, we finally felt properly baptised by the Slovak Tatras. And we immediately bought rain jackets.
The Beauty of Not Planning (When You’ve Got Rain Gear)
Skok Waterfall
The next day we were completely useless — our fitness had gone into hibernation over winter and hadn’t returned since. Everything ached, but we didn’t want to waste a day doing nothing. So we set off on a relatively easy hike to Skok Waterfall.
It’s a gorgeous walk that takes around 2–3 hours (depending on how long you linger at the waterfalls), covering about 10 km with 400 m of elevation gain. With good weather and rain jackets safely in the bag, it was a joy — and totally doable for families with kids too.
Rain jackets packed, and the weather was glorious
The beauty of not having a fixed plan is that when someone recommends a truly amazing place, you can just go the next day. And that’s exactly what we did.
Our Slovak friend from the storm insisted we absolutely MUST NOT leave the Tatras without spending a night in one of the mountain huts. We deliberated between Téryho Chata and Chata pri Zelenom Plese.
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You Must Sleep in a Mountain Hut
In the end, we chose the less popular but (as you can see from the photos) absolutely stunning Chata pri Zelenom Plese, which you reach from Tatranská Lomnica. It’s a little miracle tucked away in the Tatras. The hut has stood here since the late 19th century and has burned down twice. Its name changed with every regime — Friedrich’s Hut under the Habsburgs, Brnčálova Chata during the communist era.
Chata pri Zelenom Plese
Today it sits beside a gorgeous emerald lake, guarded by an enormous fluffy dog. The best view of it comes when you hike uphill from the hut towards Skalnaté Pleso.
The price is 29 € per person including dinner and breakfast. We even got a private room for two, and they have lovely new showers (yes, we appreciate a good shower). If you’re planning to go, book well in advance and let them know your food preferences. They’re happy to prepare vegan meals and can likely accommodate other dietary needs too. You can find great accommodation options in the area on Booking.com.
Our new furry friend at Chata pri Zelenom Plese
The view from the dining room over the emerald lake surrounded by mountains is almost impossible to describe. If our photos make you think it’s beautiful, trust me — in real life, it’s infinitely, breathtakingly more so.
A dining room view we’ll never forget
After a night in the hut, something shifted inside us. An indescribable calm settled right down to our fingertips. We descended with a lightness and deep contentment, heading back to the train. We left with stars in our eyes, exchanging unspoken glances that said just one thing: when are we coming back?
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
TL;DRLooking for a weekend break in the Czech Republic? You don’t need to cross any borders for a bit of magic. Working with Amazing Places, we’ve picked out 20 of the loveliest spots across the country, perfect for a long weekend, a romantic getaway for two, a family trip, a hen or stag do, or even a wedding. There’s everything from wellness retreats to design-led guesthouses and stays with real character. We’ve added an accommodation tip for each spot. You can go all year round, though plenty of these places are at their best in spring and autumn. Inside you’ll find 20 recommendations for the best places to visit and where to stay.
Are you looking for a romantic getaway for two, or searching for a place to take the whole family or treat your parents? Not sure where to go for an anniversary? Whether you’re planning a hen or stag do, or looking for the perfect wedding venue, in this article we offer you the best magical places for a weekend in the Czech Republic.
Sometimes we tend to look beyond the Czech Republic first, thinking we’ll find more beautiful places with better service elsewhere. But that’s simply no longer true. You don’t have to go far for perfect destinations. Everyone knows Český Krumlov and its Krumlov Mill, but that’s not all Czechia has to offer!
In collaboration with Amazing Places, we visited 20 of them. It was a month full of wine, food and gaining a few extra pounds, but we discovered truly magical places that we’re now going to show you.
Let’s take a look together at the best weekend getaways in Czechia – romantic retreats, hen party venues, wedding locations, and long weekend destinations.
You can find plenty more trip ideas in the Czech Republic – from historic monuments to natural wonders – on the NaVylet.cz website.
Best accommodation tip in Český Krumlov: Krumlov Mill
Weekend in Czech Republic: Tips for a Romantic Getaway
There are plenty of gorgeous places in the Czech Republic where you can escape for a weekend as a couple. We personally fell in love with Mlýn Danemark and the Lichtenstein Barn. We also love heading to Mikulov, where you can enjoy a romantic weekend even without a luxury hotel.
1) Romantic Weekend: Cuddly Weekends at Lichtenstein Barn
If you think nothing can surprise you anymore, this place will prove you wrong. Lichtenstein Barn was actually our last stop on the trip. We arrived not expecting much. We’d already seen the most luxurious hotels in the Czech Republic and romantic log cabins. But the moment the gate opened, we knew we’d found a hidden gem.
Beautiful flowers lined the path, the scent of my beloved lilacs accompanied our steps towards the apartment. And when the door opened, we fell in love.
Inside, freshly baked heart-shaped gingerbread awaited us, along with an incredibly comfortable sofa and a gramophone with vinyl records. Everything was decorated in a modern countryside style, the kind we’d known from Canada.
When darkness fell, we switched on the fairy lights that adorned the tree in the garden and wished we never had to leave.
In our opinion, the most beautiful place for a “cuddly” weekend
The owner told us that couples often come here for “cuddly” weekends, and we completely understand why. The intimacy of the entire space, the tasteful furnishings, and the surrounding forest are the very definition of romance.
2) Weekend in Czechia: Luxury and Tranquility at Mlýn Danemark
Just ten minutes from Kutná Hora lies an oasis of calm in the heart of nature. You drive through an enchanting little forest, cross the Vrchlice river, and right beneath a romantically rising cliff stands Mlýn Danemark.
Mlýn Danemark from above
“You’re only here for one night, but tomorrow morning you’ll feel like it’s been two,” promised David, who welcomed us at the mill – and he was right. We’ve never rested so deeply anywhere in our lives. The mill dates back to the 14th century, but owner Gabriela Macíková has masterfully blended history with modern design. The furniture comes from her shop Flamant, which specialises in reinterpreting antique furniture.
The accommodation isn’t the cheapest, but it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience
We appreciated that even though we found ourselves in one of the most luxurious accommodations in the Czech Republic, there was none of the stuffiness that often comes with them. The staff were everywhere, yet somehow invisible. Whenever we needed something, they appeared out of nowhere, without us even knowing how they sensed we needed anything.
Time seemed to stand still here. We wondered if we’d ever experienced such peace. Perhaps high in the Canadian mountains, far, far from civilisation. Mlýn Danemark is a perfect relaxation retreat for adults – children are only allowed from age 12. But be prepared to pay for this level of luxury.
When you book the cellar apartment at Apartmány Antico, you’ll receive a message from owner Petr: “Hello, you’ve chosen accommodation in an 800-year-old Gothic cellar, where the very origins of Mikulov lie. The apartment is an experience and radically defies modern commercial standards – everything here is crooked, worn and well-trodden, naturally with touches of the 21st century.”
You’ll immediately realise that an extraordinary experience awaits. The Gothic apartments are housed in a renovated Renaissance building from the 17th century, through which part of Mikulov’s medieval fortifications runs. Petr, who runs them, is just as quirky as the apartments themselves. That’s exactly why Apartmány Antico is a place we keep talking about and reminiscing over. Even though I really don’t like Gothic style (I was terrified of where we were going!), today I’m inventing reasons to visit Petr again.
And most importantly, Mikulov itself is absolutely worth the trip! Pálava is simply stunning.
Life in Mikulov flows a bit more slowly, and nobody gives you a funny look if you have a glass of wine with breakfast. We started thinking about moving to this Czech Tuscany. So we were glad to spend another day at Štajnhaus. If you love minimalism, it’ll probably be your first choice. It’s no surprise that it won first place in the “Small Guesthouses 2017” category.
And while you’re in Mikulov, grab breakfast at the Kuk café, head to Sojka restaurant for lunch, and dine at Marcel Ihnačák’s Restaurant at Boutique Hotel Tanzberg. You won’t be disappointed.
5) Weekend in Czechia: Sunset with Wine at Vinařství Václav
Sunset at Vinařství Václav
Lukáš and I love wine, but we have a problem – nearly every wine gives us headaches. So we have to choose only wines that are low in sulphites and carefully crafted. That’s what led us to Vinařství Václav for some exceptional wine.
The wine from this winery is special for many reasons. The vines are planted close together, forcing the plants to seek water and nutrients from dozens of metres underground. Thanks to this trick, the grapes absorb minerals that give the wine its distinctive flavour. After the tasting, things started getting a little wobbly, but luckily there’s stylish accommodation right above the winery. So after enjoying the sunset from the terrace, we simply shuffled a few metres to our room and drifted into wine-fuelled dreams.
We have to tell you one more wonderful thing – in the morning, we found a picnic basket with breakfast hanging on our door handle, and that won us over forever. (Yes, we love good food.)
Castles and chateaux tend to make us a bit uneasy – they often feel cold and unwelcoming. But in the Vysočina Highlands, there’s one that convinced us it doesn’t have to be that way.
The generous spaces of Chateau Herálec are very sensitively, yet luxuriously furnished. It’s clear that the Kasper family took great care during the renovation to ensure the chateau radiates not just grandeur, but also the warmth and comfort of home.
Relaxation room with a view of the chateau gardens
The most enchanting part is probably the wellness relaxation room with a romantic view of the chateau park. The wellness itself is reportedly one of the finest in the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to try it (but that’s all the more reason to come back!).
What truly amazed us, though, was when the housekeeper came in the evening to turn down the bed, placed a praline on it and left us a bedtime story. We’re still not sure they were really fairy tales, as they were a bit odd and slightly spooky (so if you plan to read them to your kids, better check them first…).
7) Long Weekend in Czech Republic – Mamma’s Boutique Hotel
The colourful reception of Mamma’s Boutique Hotel
If you’re not sure where to go for a long weekend, great food, excellent service and a private spa with Finnish and bio saunas await at Mamma’s Boutique Hotel in Poděbrady. It sits right in the heart of the spa town of Poděbrady and is popular even among celebrities for its peaceful atmosphere.
We particularly appreciated the very friendly and professional staff and the option to borrow bikes at the hotel. We visited at the very beginning of spring. Remember those first warm days in mid-April? That’s exactly when we were here, soaking up the sunshine and cycling along to the confluence of the Elbe and Cidlina rivers.
Cycling around Poděbrady
If you also appreciate an excellent breakfast, we had one of the best here on all our travels. Great coffee, everything homemade, and above all they’ll cook whatever you fancy (unless you choose from the menu – we had to try everything!).
The hotel also includes La Mamma Cucina restaurant, Oliver Café and Náš Hostinec pub. All these establishments are renowned in Poděbrady, and when we asked locals on social media where to eat, they recommended exactly these places.
8) The One Luxury Gastro Experience You Must Try: Entrée Restaurant
Anniversary dinner? Only at Entrée
We love good, quality food, but we’re not exactly gourmets obsessed with experimental fine dining. It’s just not something we’d splurge on. The one exception would be Entrée Restaurant (so this is where you want to go for an anniversary).
Lukáš with head chef Přemek Forejt
We instantly fell in love with the open kitchen concept and live garden. We watched the chefs in fascination – from a distance their work looked like a perfectly synchronised dance. The food was superb and they even had a vegetarian tasting menu. We’ll remember the dinner from head chef Přemek Forejt’s hands for a very long time.(BOOK YOUR TABLE HERE)
Lukáš and Lucie recommend
Where to stay in the Czech Republic
4 accommodations — wellness hotels, hotels and other accommodation options
If you want to head out for a weekend with friends or you’re planning a hen or stag party, there are more options than just Pálava, where everyone seems to go these days (including us – South Moravia is fantastic). Let’s look at the most magical places in the Czech Republic for a weekend away.
9) Why Olomouc is a Great Choice: Theatre Hotel
Lobby of Theatre Hotel
The designer lobby will captivate you the moment you walk in. I think I can confidently say it’s one of the most beautiful in the Czech Republic. The spa, which belongs to the hotel, follows the same aesthetic. The gorgeous hot tub has hosted more than one hen party.
I wasn’t sure whether to list this under romantic getaways or party spots. Simply put, both couples and girls’ weekends will love it here. At Hotel Theresian, you can book a room with a balcony overlooking the historic buildings of the city. If you don’t get that room, don’t worry – head to the wellness on the top floor with panoramic views of Olomouc.
Besides being a truly beautiful wellness, it has rooftop balconies from which we watched a bonfire night fireworks display. A hen party here would definitely not be a bad idea.
11) Special Party in Prague? A Houseboat, of Course
VIP Living Houseboat
I have to say, I’ve always wanted to try living on a houseboat. Ever since we finished watching a series about water sprites (a Czech TV show called Neviditelní – have you seen it?), I’d been dreaming about it.
Along with our stay on the VIP Living Houseboat, we also got a captain for an hour who took us cruising along the Náplavka riverbank. We danced on the rooftop of the houseboat and thought about how perfect it would be for a barbecue. The roof has not only a grill but also a little sofa, armchairs and sun loungers.
A cruise on the Vltava river
In the evening, we parked up at Císařská Louka island, and while we relaxed, swans and ducks swam up to the windows to peek at who was inside. So they watched us and we watched them. Until we all got bored and fell asleep like logs to the gentle rocking of the waves.
We hadn’t slept that well in ages. Whether it was tiredness or the water, we don’t know. But we suspect it wasn’t a coincidence.
If you’re planning a wedding or need a venue for a bigger hen or stag party, the places below are absolutely, utterly perfect.
12) A Stylish Village Wedding: Penzion Pastuška
View of Penzion Pastuška
I must say, we fell in love with Moravia very quickly. From Vinařství Václav, we drove to Penzion Pastuška, located in Brod nad Dyjí in the South Moravian region. We happened to be there during my favourite time of year – when violets and lilacs were in bloom, adorning the entire village.
Fancy having your reception here?
At Pastuška, you’ll find everything you need for a perfectly peaceful weekend. Good wine, great food and a laid-back atmosphere. We briefly regretted that we’d already chosen our wedding venue. Pastuška is the perfect choice for anyone who loves stylish countryside living.
13) Fairytale Wedding in South Bohemia – Zámek Mitrowicz
Zámek Mitrowicz
This was the only place I visited without Lukáš. It may seem odd that I’m recommending it for weddings, but we didn’t go there for a wedding – we went on a girls’ trip, a little “pre-hen party” of sorts. And if you’re planning a bigger hen do, it’s definitely worth it too. After all, the price isn’t that steep.
Who among you would want a bathtub like this at home?
What I really want to tell you is that this place won over even Janča, who really doesn’t like chateaux (like, really doesn’t). But Mitrowicz has an amazingly welcoming atmosphere, and even though it’s a large property, we immediately felt at home. We had a picnic in the garden, sunbathed by the pond, and of course had to try out the gorgeous bathtub in the wedding suite.
Price: €1,020 for the entire floor (up to 18 beds)
14) Dvůr Perlová Voda: Big Weddings and Team-Building Events
If you’re looking for a venue for a big wedding or a corporate event, check out Dvůr Perlová Voda. The complex is enormous, with several halls, a restaurant, a micro-brewery, an art gallery, a multi-purpose grass pitch, a private wellness area and, in summer, a natural swimming pond.
The huge complex of Dvůr Perlová Voda
Since it was just the two of us, we enjoyed the restaurant most of all – the cooking is absolutely superb. We tried what was possibly the best fruit tart of our lives here. We need to come back in summer, when they’ll have produce from their own garden. They grow their own vegetables and herbs, preserve fruit, and now even bake their own bread. Plus in summer they open an unconventional outdoor restaurant – but to see what it looks like, you’ll have to visit yourself. So grab your bikes and go!
If you’re passing through, stop for a slice of cake – possibly the best we’ve ever had!
Want to head out with the family and little ones to a place everyone will enjoy? We’ve got some brilliant tips for you too. You can visit Maximus Resort as a couple (we even sent our parents there), but kids will have a blast as well.
15) For Wellness, Head to Maximus Resort
Not sure where to take the older family for a weekend? Unless you’ve got die-hard wellness haters at home (because otherwise we can’t imagine anyone not loving it here), take them to Brno!
Just outside the city, you’ll find a little Czech wonder. Infinit Maximus is a thermal and sauna world, with a stunning turquoise pool as its centrepiece – it looks like it’s been plucked from some exotic destination. Don’t be fooled though – it’s a cold pool, and when we went in, it was only 16°C. But you’ll also find four thermal pools, a whirlpool, eleven types of saunas, wonderfully friendly staff, and a great restaurant at the resort where being vegetarian is absolutely no problem.
16) A Place Kids Never Want to Leave – Apartmány Kocourek
Adorable apartments for families with small children
Apartmány Kocourek are so popular with children that they don’t even want to go out on day trips. Jitka and Víťa built the perfect child-friendly accommodation in the Vysočina Highlands, inspired by places they’d seen abroad. The garden has a heated pool, climbing frames and a trampoline, and behind every storage door there are hidden toys. Jitka and Víťa built everything with their own hands, and you can tell immediately that they poured their heart and soul – and their love for children – into every detail.
Apartmány Kocourek
Plus, there’s fast WiFi, so if you want to combine the trip with some remote work, you can work here in peace while the kids play in the garden.
17) Escape the City to a Real Farm – Statek Polžov
You definitely won’t be bored at Statek Polžov
Anyone who knows us knows we adopt animals everywhere we go. We both love animals, so we were thrilled to learn we’d be spending two days at Statek Polžov, which has ducks, chickens, horses, a pony, pigs, sheep, four dogs and cats.
And if you behave, they’ll even lend you a Native American headdress
If you have rebellious teenagers at home, you can put them to work here for a week – there’s plenty to do. If they’re well-behaved, you can go horse riding together, or simply watch the animals and wander around the countryside. We fell in love with Fída the pig and Hugo the dog and spent most of the day with them and with Míša and Pavel, who run the farm. They have stories to spare.
Price: from €81 for the whole property (up to 8 beds)
18) Active Weekend Even for Non-Athletes – Bed & Bike Prachatice
Beautiful apartments in Prachatice
Bed & Bike Prachatice came up with a brilliant new concept in hospitality. If you stay in one of their apartments, they lend you e-bikes for free. E-bikes are great because the whole family can go on longer trips (if someone’s fitness isn’t quite up to it, they just switch to turbo mode).
Anyone can manage an e-bike ride
You can bring grandparents and children over 8 and head out on a 50 km cycling trip. They’re also great for couples where one partner isn’t very sporty. The e-bikes have different modes (eco, tour, sport, turbo) that ensure the whole family can enjoy the ride.
Plus, Prachatice is a gorgeous town and the surrounding countryside will enchant you.
19) Chalupa Sokolík: Number One for Family and Group Weekends
Hot tub at Chalupa Sokolík
At Chalupa Sokolík, it was the first time we regretted being on the road just the two of us. This fantastic cottage is perfectly set up for groups. Whether you come with kids or friends, it sleeps up to twenty people and boredom is simply impossible. It offers a padel tennis court, a winter pergola, a climbing frame and trampoline for kids, a hot tub and a sauna.
20) Fairytale Log Cabin You’ll Never Want to Leave
Roubenka Melánka
When we arrived in Rváčov, Mrs Štenglová was already coming out to meet us. Together with her husband, they built this romantic log cabin in the Vysočina Highlands in 2014, naming it Melánka. Every detail inside has been thought through to the tiniest degree. Every decoration has its place, and you’re transported back in time.
The pink room in Melánka
The cabin has an oven, a wood-burning stove, a Fitodar (infrared cabin), a sauna, and two fairytale bedrooms – a blue one for adults and a pink one for children.
Mrs Štenglová truly made sure we felt at home. A freshly baked cheesecake sat on the table and she prepared a three-course dinner for us. Although she encouraged us to explore the surroundings, we didn’t want to leave the cabin for anything in the world. We fired up the oven, and if we hadn’t had to head back in the morning, no one would have got us out of there.
Planning a weekend trip and don’t want to leave your four-legged companion at home? The Czech Republic offers countless beautiful places where you can go with your dog. Whether you love mountains, forests, water or historic towns, here are trip ideas you’ll both enjoy.
And if you can’t take your dog with you and there’s nobody to look after them, consider a pet hotel.
Krkonoše – Paradise for Mountain Lovers
Krkonoše National Park offers plenty of hiking trails that are accessible for dogs too. Head up to Sněžka or take a less demanding route around Labský důl. We recommend staying at guesthouses and mountain huts that welcome dogs.
Šumava – Peaceful Nature and Endless Forests
Šumava’s plateaus, lakeside trails and deep forests are ideal for active trips with a dog. The trail to Černé and Čertovo Lake is among the most popular. You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly accommodation in the Šumava region.
Bohemian Paradise – Rock Towns and Romantic Views
If you love sandstone formations, head to Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj). Prachovské Rocks, Hruboskalsko or Malá Skála offer beautiful trails suitable for dogs too. Most paths are well-marked and not overly strenuous.
Lipno – Water Fun and Beautiful Walks
For water lovers, the Lipno Reservoir is a wonderful spot for both relaxation and activities. The area around Lipno offers cycle paths and forest trails perfect for walks with your dog. Some beaches even have designated areas for dog swimming.
Pálava – Wine Region with Stunning Views
If you prefer warmer climates and vineyards, Pálava is the ideal choice. Walk among the vines, climb Děvín hill, or visit Mikulov. Many wineries welcome visitors with dogs.
Beskydy – Mountain Ridges and Wooden Cottages
In the Beskydy Mountains, both active hikers and dog owners seeking peace and beautiful nature will find what they’re looking for. We recommend the trail to Lysá hora or a trip to Pustevny and the statue of Radegast.
Czech Canada – Wild Nature and Ponds
If you’re looking for a less touristy area, Czech Canada (Česká Kanada) in South Bohemia is an excellent choice. Forest paths, ponds and romantic castle ruins provide the ideal setting for relaxation with your dog.
10 Best (Not Only) Hipster Cafés in Prague (+ Brunch Tip)
Looking for a hipster café or at least a visually stunning spot with great coffee in Prague? You’ve come to the right place.
10 Best Travel Gadgets
Travelling can be hard work. Especially when you’re going for a longer period, perhaps camping and cut off from civilisation. Here are some brilliant travel gadgets.
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
